What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when tear-film quantity, quality or stability is insufficient. Inflammation, eyelid-gland dysfunction and increased tear evaporation may contribute, causing burning, stinging, fluctuating vision or redness.
Evaluation
Assessment may include symptoms, tear-film stability, staining of the ocular surface, eyelid and meibomian-gland examination and review of medication, screen use and environmental factors.
Treatment Options
Management is individualized and may include preservative-free lubricants, eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, environmental changes, treatment of gland dysfunction and prescribed anti-inflammatory or other targeted therapy.
Ongoing Care
Dry eye is often chronic and may fluctuate. Treatment response and ocular-surface health should be reviewed, particularly before contact-lens use or eye surgery.